Welcome new Members! Introduce yourselves here!

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Hello.

New member here! I'm Pablo and I'm a Mechanical Engineer who briefly worked in the services sector (import-tech) in Mexico and am now pursuing a 2nd degree in the medical field and lawful residency in the states. I like science, languages, computers, and having pets.
I heard about the JREF through YouTube videos and have seen Mr. Randy in several TV and recorded appearances. Until recently did I find out that the atheist community is large in the States and events such as TAM happen yearly. I'm starkly opposed to organized religion and magical thinking, and I regard belief-based segregation as uncivilized.
I advocate Scientific Skepticism greatly and am trying to do my part to help it spread out.

In any case, nice to meet everyone. :)
 
Hi Paul,

:welcome4

You've come to the right place. Spreading scientific Skepticism begins here. Well, in any subforum that strikes your fancy, really. Enjoy!
 
Hi! Long time lurker decloaking....

Hi to all!

I'm a long time lurker, who originally found this forum while doing research on "Freeman on the Land" "philosophies". No... I was never attracted to such nonsense personally, but my Father-in-Law is (God Bless him) amazingly plugged in to just about every conspiracy theory and nut-job "truth" site on the Internet. The poor man found his way onto the Internet, and promptly fell down the rabbit hole.

I had never heard of the term before so I, of course, went to do some legitimate research. :eek: It was FAR worse than I imagined. FIL has thankfully floated away from the FMOTL ideal somewhat these days, and is now more into the FAR religious right Tea Party "everything is a conspiracy from the Obama administration to turn the US into a Godless Socialist Muslim Degenerate Duplicate of Canada" narrative. Tedious, but at least it won't end up in jail time... hopefully.

Personally, I'm a former teacher turned computer engineer turned ceramicist. Yeah, I know that's a stretch across fields, but I've always been the restless type professionally. LOL! Politically, I tend towards the extreme liberal on social issues with a bit of a conservative bent economically, but I'm not ridiculous about it. The thought of paying taxes doesn't make my head explode.

I celebrate logic, and rational thinking, and honestly despise the current "anti-elitist, anti-intellectual, anti-LEARNING" platform being espoused by so many in the Republican party these days. Since when did being educated become a shameful thing? :boggled:

So, Hi!! I'm really looking forward to participating more directly here and getting to know some of you better. I feel like I know many of the members who posted regularly on the FMOTL threads already. :)
 
Melisande said:
Hi to all!

I'm a long time lurker, who originally found this forum while doing research on "Freeman on the Land" "philosophies". No... I was never attracted to such nonsense personally, but my Father-in-Law is (God Bless him) amazingly plugged in to just about every conspiracy theory and nut-job "truth" site on the Internet. The poor man found his way onto the Internet, and promptly fell down the rabbit hole.

I had never heard of the term before so I, of course, went to do some legitimate research. :eek: It was FAR worse than I imagined. FIL has thankfully floated away from the FMOTL ideal somewhat these days, and is now more into the FAR religious right Tea Party "everything is a conspiracy from the Obama administration to turn the US into a Godless Socialist Muslim Degenerate Duplicate of Canada" narrative. Tedious, but at least it won't end up in jail time... hopefully.

Personally, I'm a former teacher turned computer engineer turned ceramicist. Yeah, I know that's a stretch across fields, but I've always been the restless type professionally. LOL! Politically, I tend towards the extreme liberal on social issues with a bit of a conservative bent economically, but I'm not ridiculous about it. The thought of paying taxes doesn't make my head explode.

I celebrate logic, and rational thinking, and honestly despise the current "anti-elitist, anti-intellectual, anti-LEARNING" platform being espoused by so many in the Republican party these days. Since when did being educated become a shameful thing? :boggled:

So, Hi!! I'm really looking forward to participating more directly here and getting to know some of you better. I feel like I know many of the members who posted regularly on the FMOTL threads already. :)
Click to expand...

Melisande, welcome aboard. "former teacher turned computer engineer turned ceramicist" sounds like an awesome career arc.
 
Yahoo Answers sent me

Hello:

I heard about 9-11 on a current Coast to Coast radio show with guest: Philip Marshall so I began checking out what he had to say about our government's criminal activities on 9-11. I have not studied this so I began to find amazing and revealing videos and articles on line which took me to Yahoo Answers where a poster told me about JREF so, here I am.
I encountered some very bitter and hostile responses in Yahoo Answers and surely hope I don't get the same angry, hostile treatment in here. My interest is to learn as much as I can about government evil or innocence re: 9-11 even if I don't go out there and march or become an active protester, etc. I studied Conspiracy Theory stuff years ago and have an anti-government attitude:( but maybe someone here can show me a pro-government stand if one exists. I saw a few 9-11 videos both for and against the government so perhaps someone here can tell me what to look for and where to find significant, current info about 9-11 and other Conspiracy items. I came here to learn - NOT RANT!
thanks,
jim :)
 
jimrich said:
Hello:

I heard about 9-11 on a current Coast to Coast radio show with guest: Philip Marshall so I began checking out what he had to say about our government's criminal activities on 9-11. I have not studied this so I began to find amazing and revealing videos and articles on line which took me to Yahoo Answers where a poster told me about JREF so, here I am.
I encountered some very bitter and hostile responses in Yahoo Answers and surely hope I don't get the same angry, hostile treatment in here. My interest is to learn as much as I can about government evil or innocence re: 9-11 even if I don't go out there and march or become an active protester, etc. I studied Conspiracy Theory stuff years ago and have an anti-government attitude:( but maybe someone here can show me a pro-government stand if one exists. I saw a few 9-11 videos both for and against the government so perhaps someone here can tell me what to look for and where to find significant, current info about 9-11 and other Conspiracy items. I came here to learn - NOT RANT!
thanks,
jim :)
Click to expand...

Welcome Jim. You will find plenty of people here willing to debate conspiracy theories but be warned, they have heard a vast number of them, be prepared to back up any statements you make with evidence :)

Here is a series of resources about 9/11 you might like to see.

http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/local_links.php?catid=18
 
jimrich said:
Hello:

I heard about 9-11 on a current Coast to Coast radio show with guest: Philip Marshall so I began checking out what he had to say about our government's criminal activities on 9-11. I have not studied this so I began to find amazing and revealing videos and articles on line which took me to Yahoo Answers where a poster told me about JREF so, here I am.
I encountered some very bitter and hostile responses in Yahoo Answers and surely hope I don't get the same angry, hostile treatment in here. My interest is to learn as much as I can about government evil or innocence re: 9-11 even if I don't go out there and march or become an active protester, etc. I studied Conspiracy Theory stuff years ago and have an anti-government attitude:( but maybe someone here can show me a pro-government stand if one exists. I saw a few 9-11 videos both for and against the government so perhaps someone here can tell me what to look for and where to find significant, current info about 9-11 and other Conspiracy items. I came here to learn - NOT RANT!
thanks,
jim :)
Click to expand...
I love coast to coast. Late at night, the crazy claims from the guess keep me alert, as I ponder how people can spread so much BS and woo and still function as a human and be on a the radio. It keeps me away on marathon drives; aliens, based on Mars, conspiracies, and other nonsense. I find it amusing how the BS artist mix the right amount of entertainment and "facts" to fool a few, and keep rational people listening.

I ask, how can people be fooled so easy - and I look in the mirror and see me.

I like to see how far people are willing to go to be on the Radio spreading crazy claims, to have their 15 minutes, and 15 more. Is coast to coast a good place to practice being skeptical, or is it too easy to identify the woo?

Welcome to JREF.
 
I wanted to introduce myself as a new member.

If my screen name is a bit lengthy, calling me CB will be fine.

If you're not into ornithology, the Coracais bengalensis is a real bird , and once I have privaliges to post an avatar, I'll post a portrait of it.

It is simply one of the many species of life that enchant me.

My interest here is ideas, and learning. I've observed the forum for some time and see some discussions of ideas, which fascinate me, and some discussions of people, which I have not interest whatsoever in being a part of.

I like to think that ideas can be disassociated from the people who may advocate or criticize them, and that we'll have a far better understanding of the ideas if we keep our focus on them.

I also think people can disagree respectfully, and alternate ideas are not enemies to be attacked or demolished.

I look forward to dialogues with like-minded people.

CB
 
Cbengalensis said:
I wanted to introduce myself as a new member.

If my screen name is a bit lengthy, calling me CB will be fine.

If you're not into ornithology, the Coracais bengalensis is a real bird , and once I have privaliges to post an avatar, I'll post a portrait of it.

It is simply one of the many species of life that enchant me.

My interest here is ideas, and learning. I've observed the forum for some time and see some discussions of ideas, which fascinate me, and some discussions of people, which I have not interest whatsoever in being a part of.

I like to think that ideas can be disassociated from the people who may advocate or criticize them, and that we'll have a far better understanding of the ideas if we keep our focus on them.

I also think people can disagree respectfully, and alternate ideas are not enemies to be attacked or demolished.

I look forward to dialogues with like-minded people.

CB
Click to expand...
Welcome CB.

In general we are polite but sometimes emotions boil over but the mods keep a good eye on what is happening.

And when you get your avatar, it will look very good. [Note to self, must change ugly avatar]
 
Hi
Bob from London here, originally found this site while looking for debunkings of the FOTL nonsense, started reading the forums and got hooked:)
 
Cbengalensis said:
I wanted to introduce myself as a new member.

If my screen name is a bit lengthy, calling me CB will be fine.

If you're not into ornithology, the Coracais bengalensis is a real bird , and once I have privaliges to post an avatar, I'll post a portrait of it.

It is simply one of the many species of life that enchant me.

My interest here is ideas, and learning. I've observed the forum for some time and see some discussions of ideas, which fascinate me, and some discussions of people, which I have not interest whatsoever in being a part of.

I like to think that ideas can be disassociated from the people who may advocate or criticize them, and that we'll have a far better understanding of the ideas if we keep our focus on them.

I also think people can disagree respectfully, and alternate ideas are not enemies to be attacked or demolished.

I look forward to dialogues with like-minded people.

CB
Click to expand...
In the Science, medicine, etc. forum there's a "Forum Birdwatching 2012" thread in which you might find some amicable sorts and can post interesting sightings. Alas I have not participated recently owing in part to a dry and dull summer in which no new birds seem to show their faces, and to screwed up binocular vision that makes it hard to see them if they do. But it's fun to visit anyway, and see the bird pictures.
 
Bruto:

I did see that birdewatching thread but thank you for taking the time to point that out.

I'm not a birdwatcher, per say, in that I don't track or count the species I observe. I'm more enchanted by a few of the remarkable species, like the Hoatzin, and Stellar's Sea eagle, the turaco family, and the birds of Paradise, especially Errol Fuller's intriguing book on the specimens which may either be hybrids or "lost" species" known from maybe one or two skins collected a century ago.

And I'm a sucker for Green Magpies, don't know why.

But I will give the thread a look.

Thanks

CB
 
oops, just realised I haven't been in to introduce myself

:D

I first came here in february, and was well impressed with the kindness and patience of the folks who were trying to help a chap who wanted to apply for the million dollar challenge, talking him through testing himself and designing a protocol etc.... he was a promising case of someone who seemed humble enough to genuinely be trying to do things correctly and might even be willing to concede defeat... which gradually appeared less likely, and indeed he did wind up trying to rationalise failing at his own pre-challenge self-test, but still the several JREF members were willing to engage with him in a calmly supportive and reasonable way to help him be honest with himself...

I was very impressed with the civility shown by all the members involved, and joined in order to post my respect and admiration for what I had read (a thread that spanned some 20 plus pages, over several weeks, which I read through in one sitting, with absorbed pleasure and admiration for all concerned... even the poor dowser who so obviously was leading himself up a garden path (quite literally! He was dowsing for disturbed earth!).

At the time I was working on the final project for a MA in Fine Art and Photography (Contemporary Dialogues), which I had started after being made redundant in 2009. I'm glad to say I passed, and that I am now a Master of the Arts! :D Ha ha!

Anyway, I'm a poet, and in recent years I have got into doing video art using Apple's Final Cut Pro (and Motion) and I am thoroughly enjoying dabbling in psychedelic art through that means. If you want to see my art, check out my website http://www.asydhouse.co.uk

;) In a couple of weeks' time I will be publishing a free iBook based on my final project, which is a conceptual art project involving Special Relativity, among other things.... I do have a BSc which I gained from the Open University, and I trust my poetic confabulations of science and art will be approved by the scientifically educated amongst us, as well as being approachable by those of a nonscientific background. I would really like to know how people receive it, so I'll do something about starting a thread to discuss it when it's published. It's free, so I hope it will be a refreshing and novel form of entertainment for the JREF community.

Sorry to go on at such length, but I feel I'd like to mention that I have gone on a journey from a childhood devoid of knowledge of religion (thankfully! starting with a clean slate allowed me to escape later religious influences fairly unscathed... I'd probably have collapsed under the weight of a Catholic guilt-trip upbringing!) through a discovery of supernatural ideas in my adolescence (encouraged by my father doing the same at the same time... Rippley's Believe it or Not feeding our naive fascination), and then having my father go off the deep end with a mail-order course in astral traveling (Paramahansa Yogananda, if anyone knows it), which loaded convincing anecdotes from him onto my gullible head, and therfore I went some years having to deal with conflicting information and experience which led to a sort of breakdown on my part, and some whacky experiences in India... luckily I have always taken it all with a pinch of salt, and when in my breakdown I had to face the possibility of telepathic interference, I couldn't really deeply believe it was happening ... ultimately I freed myself from all of it... cutting out lots of details and general steps along the way, I returned to Britain and got into volunteering at the head office of Friends of the Earth, and those practical and decent people gave me a way to live into new phase of my life with my feet on the ground.

I'm grateful to them, and to all the people who take time and energy to post rational and informed thoughts and attempt to reach out to the deluded people who come on forums pushing their nonsense. One or two of them may be people like I was trying to find their way back out of the influence of plausible people they may know personally, people like their parents who may have unwittingly caused them to be lost in a stress of belief/disbelief from which they don't know how to move.

You all are doing valuable work by stating and restating the principles and techniques of critical thinking. Don't despair! (Which I am prone to). Don't give up!

And thank you from the bottom of my heart for maintaining the truth that this universe is indifferent to our thoughts and prayers, and that the dreadful consequences to our well-being and peace of mind that would result if the universe were actually a place of paranormal powers meddling and interfering with our thoughts etc... that those fears can be laid aside without a doubt, and our own peace of mind is a natural result of being free of those influences...

Thank you thank you thank you! :)
 
Whaddaya have for vegetarians? What about vegetarians with peated malt enthusiasms?
(I realize this will go to the end of this thread, and you won't be taking about goat milk and BBQ hamster (ever tried hamster seethed in goat's milk? Seethe what you started?)

Oh, BTW: I'm Slowvehicle. I'll try to behave...
Involuntarily retired schoolteacher.
What credential are customary? Do I provide references? Cut a buck-and-wing? Bake a cherry pie (Danny Boy)? Teach a horse to type? Just let me know--
 
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COLONEL said:
Welcom all you NEWB'S here is the weekend menu

Drinks fresh Goats milk , Begian beer , Miller draft,and water
for meats we have the ever popular BBQ hamster , Roo, Rabbit,and while they last BBQ cats. Also we have assorted salads,baked and mashed potatos, baked beans, and corn on the cob. For dessert we have Apple crisp ,peach cobbler, several kinds of cake, Strawberry ice cream Grayman Oatmeal cookies and the ever popular MINTIES.

Again Welcome and enjoy your time here
Click to expand...

See? I should have been patient.
(looks right, looks left)
Um, what's a MINTIE?
 
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